Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West CenterWith Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

10-YEAR OLD MARSHALLESE GIRL MURDERED IN ARKANSAS

MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Yokwe, Oct. 25) - Springdale
Police believe the death of a 10-year old girl living in Springdale,
Arkansas—whose parents live in the Marshall Islands—was intentional. The
Marshallese girl, who was residing with guardian Abon Tili, 26, at
Apartment 105, Building 3, Randall Road, died sometime between 10 p.m.
Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday, according to police investigators following a
report from the Arkansas State Crime Lab.

[PIR editor’s note: According to KFSM
news in Arkansas, as of Oct. 24, Police are questioning a new witness,
Geronimo Langoria, in the murder of 10-year-old Emiti Freddy. Police are
now questioning the Hispanic male they say may be witness in the
investigation of the murder of the Marshallese girl. Geronimo Langoria is
said to be cooperating with police at this time.

Abon Tili, Emiti's male guardian, was arrested for
endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree and his bond is set
at US$100,000.

Meanwhile, friends and family are mourning the death of
the young Springdale girl they describe as "a ray of sunshine." Autopsy
reports revealed Monday morning that the
manner of
death was homicide by strangulation. The medical examiner also
said the victim showed signs of sexual assault.]

Paramedics, who were called to the scene early Saturday
morning about a child having breathing problems, could not revive the
girl. Tili, the residence's owner, reportedly told police he had been
drunk and had passed out. He was arrested for the felony of endangering
the welfare of a child in the first degree. No arrests for the homicide
have been made yet, report local news stations.

The girl's name has not been released, and police say they
are trying to contact her biological parents in the Marshall Islands.

Police are still looking for another man and a three-year
old child who were in the apartment Friday night along with Tili. Police
have released a photo of the man and requested help from the community in
identifying him. The Hometown News Channel is running a video about the
crime, which includes a photo of the person.

Officers are still investigating, but need more
information about why the girl was living with Tili and if there are other
witnesses or people who can give information.

If you can help call Springdale Police Criminal
Investigation Unit at 479-750-8139.